Parents clash over proposed changes to Michigan’s sex education standards

LANSING, Mich. — For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Michigan State Board of Education is considering updates to the state’s sex education standards — a move that’s stirring strong reactions from parents across the state.
The discussion, held during this week’s board meeting, centered on how schools teach topics like gender identity, sexual orientation and consent. Some parents argued the proposed updates cross a line, saying those lessons belong at home.
“This is not biology. This is ideology,” one parent said during the meeting. “These lessons promote gender theory and sexual identity discussions that belong in the homes,” John Greyson-Barker, a parent, said.